Five stories relate the adventures and misadventures of Adam Joshua as he contends with the first day of school, pretending to be sick, stealing a library book, making the scariest Halloween costume, and being upstaged at show-and-tell time.

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From School Library Journal:

Grade 1-4 Adam Joshua returns in his third book (The Monster in the Third Dresser Drawer 1981 and The Kid Next Door and Other Headaches 1984, both Harper ) to deal with the frustrations of life for a pri mary grade youngster. Smith again suc ceeds in creating situations with which the book's intended readers can identify. First he faces the gnawing anxiety of returning to school in September after failing to accom plish all the things on his list of ``things to do during the summer.'' He worries at school that his little sister will replace him as his dog's most important companion. Tension between Adam Joshua and Elliot Banks, his arch-enemy, escalates as they try to outdo each at show and tell. The stories have humor and warmth. Adam Joshua's close and lasting friendship with Nelson provides security and a sense of belonging. Gackenbach's black-and-white illustra tions graphically animate the stories. A to tally enjoyable book for young readers. Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, N.J.Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.